Butterfly Pea Flower
Clitoria ternateaThe dark blue flower of a vine native to Southeast Asia; when steeped in water, it releases an intense blue color. Used in Thai and Malaysian cuisine to give teas and drinks a natural blue color.
What Is Butterfly Pea Flower?
Butterfly pea flower is the dark blue flower of a vine native to Southeast Asia. In Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese cuisine, it is used dried as a natural colorant for teas and drinks.
When brewed in water, the flower releases an intense blue color; this color is pH-sensitive, turning purple and pink when an acidic substance such as lemon juice is added. This property is often used in showy drinks known as "blue tea."
Nutritional Values of Butterfly Pea Flower
1 cup of brewed butterfly pea flower tea contains approximately 1 kcal of energy; it is caffeine-free and carries anthocyanin (blue-purple pigment) compounds. Values vary by brewing intensity and are approximate.
How Should Butterfly Pea Flower Be Consumed?
Butterfly pea flower is consumed in moderate amounts, like other herbal teas, as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; butterfly pea flower is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Pregnant/breastfeeding people are advised to consult their doctor before consuming it.
How to Choose Butterfly Pea Flower?
A good dried butterfly pea flower has a dark blue-purple color, is whole, and has not absorbed moisture.
- The color should be dark blue-purple, not faded-browned
- The flowers should be whole, not overly crumbled
- It should not have absorbed moisture or smell moldy
How Is Butterfly Pea Flower Stored?
Butterfly pea flower can be kept for a few months in a sealed container in a dry, dark cupboard; keeping it away from light preserves its color.
Using Butterfly Pea Flower in the Kitchen
Butterfly pea flower is used most often in blue tea and cocktails, and as a natural blue-purple colorant in some Southeast Asian rice dishes and desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does butterfly pea flower change color?
The anthocyanin pigment in the flower is pH-sensitive; when an acidic liquid (such as lemon juice) is added, the molecular structure changes and the color shifts from blue to purple-pink.
Does butterfly pea flower have a taste?
On its own it has a very mild, almost tasteless-grassy flavor; it is used primarily for color and is usually consumed with sweeteners such as lemon or honey.
Is butterfly pea flower available in Turkey?
It can be found in gourmet markets, stores selling Asian products, and online; it is not common.